The morning was eerily quiet, which made me think of a storm that was coming. Michael pushed Ethan, his one-year-old son, in a pram through streets that were empty. Ethan had a fever and seemed restless while he was wrapped in a heavy blanket. Michael was completely worn out. He never planned to be a single dad, but when his wife Sarah died sadly while giving birth, everything changed. Ethan was his everything and the reason he fought every day.
Michael whispered, “You’re okay, buddy,” as he adjusted Ethan’s blanket. “We’re going to the doctor soon.”
Michael was thinking when the bus suddenly stopped. He had a hard time getting on because he had to hold on to the bar with one hand and the pram with the other. The driver’s impatience could be heard, but Michael didn’t pay attention because he was focused on getting Ethan a seat to rest.
At the next stop, an older woman got on. Her silver rings jingled in her multiple skirts and scarves. She looked around in her bag and told the driver she couldn’t pay in a shaky voice. She offered to tell his fortune instead, but the driver quickly turned her down. She looked around the bus and finally settled on Michael.
Michael sighed and pulled out some crumpled bills. He said, “I’ll pay for her fare.” The woman was clearly relieved as she quietly thanked him and said something about how much he seemed to be carrying. Michael didn’t pay attention to what she said and instead looked back at Ethan, but he could feel her eyes on him the whole way.
As Michael got ready to get off at his stop, the woman grabbed him by the arm and pressed a folded note into his hand. She said in a whisper, “The truth isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary.” Michael quickly slipped the note into his pocket and moved on, turning his attention back to Ethan’s health.
Michael waited in the pediatrician’s office while Ethan slept in fits and starts. As his worries grew, he thought of the note. When he opened it, the words “He is not your son” stopped him in his tracks. He felt a wave of shock and confusion hit him. He put the note back in his pocket because he couldn’t figure out what it meant.
Later, it was said that Ethan’s fever was not too bad, but Michael’s mind was still full of questions. He couldn’t get rid of the words on the note. The days turned into weeks, and he still couldn’t get rid of the thoughts. He finally chose to get answers by getting a DNA test, even though it made him feel guilty.
When the results came in, Michael didn’t want to open the package right away. The story didn’t say for sure that Ethan wasn’t his actual child; it only hinted that it might not be. He had to talk to Sarah’s mother, Margaret, about his worries because they were getting to him. His fears were proven by how she reacted. She told them that Sarah had messed up—that she wasn’t sure who Ethan’s father was for one night. Margaret said she hadn’t said anything because she was afraid and loved Sarah.
Michael was broken and felt deceived. He went back home and sat next to Ethan’s cot while the boy slept soundly. “Da-da” was all Ethan said in his sleep, and Michael’s heart broke and then healed all at the same time. He knew at that moment that they were forever connected, not by blood but by love and shared moments.
Michael said in a whisper, wiping tears from his face, “I don’t care what the test says.” “Ethan, you are my son.” “Always.”
The revelation changed everything. Michael decided to enjoy their time together, cherishing the laughs, the big moments, and the difficulties they faced as a family. Ethan’s health got better over time, and their bond grew stronger. Michael loved the little things in life, like walks in the park, bedtime stories, and hearing Ethan laugh.
Even though there was peace, there were still questions. Michael found old letters from a man named James that showed he had a short relationship with Sarah. Michael went to see James to get closure. James told Michael that Sarah had been having an affair but comforted him that Sarah loved Michael very much. Michael was having questions about his role as Ethan’s father, but the meeting helped him let them go.
Over time, Michael found support in a group of single parents who understood how hard things were for him. His stories about them helped him get better and understand how strong and loving his relationship with Ethan was. Michael even set up a fund to help single parents in honour of Sarah and to help others deal with problems that are similar to hers.
Michael learnt on his trip that family isn’t about DNA, but about love, commitment, and the things that bring people together. No matter what, he came out better after each test because he knew that being a father meant always being there.
